Long before there was a ViewFromVegas website, Dave Tuley had his column in the pages of Daily Racing Form in which he tried to give readers the ViewFromVegas as he covered the race and sports books here.

Even though he didn't use the name, the ViewFromVegas philosophy was evident as far back as Jan. 5, 2001, with the publishing of the first of his annual columns on the ROI Awards. As was stated in the inaugural show by host Roy Firestone, "While we certainly acknowledge the validity of the Eclipse Awards to honor racing's best, here in Vegas they're always looking for value for our wagering dollar."

There are many running gags through the years (ROI is pronounced "ROY" since Patrick Roy is pronounced "Waa," the ROI Horse of the Year being the ROI HOY, leaving the black-tie traditions and mint juleps to other shows while we dress more casual and are more content with beer, and the cliche request to tip your waitresses as is often announced after Vegas lounge shows and at comedy clubs).

So, skip to the bottom if you just want to see the ROI winners from 2012, or start at the top if you want to join us on a trip down memory lane: